Capcom’s remastered version of Resident Evil 2 was destined to take the crown of the highest-selling entry in the series, and true to expectations, it has surpassed Resident Evil 7 to that exalted throne.
This triumphant conquest does not merely signify another feather in Capcom’s already embellished cap but also reveals a profound love for survival horror that gamers worldwide share. Despite Monster Hunter: World currently occupying the top spot in Capcom’s list with its 19 million units sold, the Resident Evil franchise has staked its claim on six of the top 10 spots.
All told, Capcom appears to be enjoying a fruitful couple of years lately – a stark contrast to the company languishing in the depths of relative mediocrity right around the same time last decade.
The winds of fortune have been blowing in Capcom’s favor in recent times, producing hit after hit, with their survival horror series, Resident Evil, leading the way. Established in 1996, the original Resident Evil introduced an engaging narrative and a thrilling gameplay experience, carving out a niche for the survival horror genre in the gaming industry. Its sequel, Resident Evil 2, elevated the franchise’s status further by providing an upgraded experience, making it a prime candidate for the remake treatment.
When the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 arrived, it was an opportunity to rediscover and deepen the franchise’s legacy. It won over veteran fans and drew in newcomers, welcomed by both critics and audiences alike. Beyond the critical accolades, the game proved to be a commercial gold mine for Capcom, becoming their best-selling game with over 12.6 million unit sales across PC and consoles.
Resident Evil 2 now leads a parade of its brethren in the Capcom hall of fame. Trailing behind are Resident Evil 7 with 12.4 million sales, followed by Resident Evil 5 and 6 with 8.8 million, then Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 3 remake with 8.3 million and 7.6 million respectively, all earning spots in Capcom’s top 10 best-selling games.
And the tale of triumph continues. Capcom’s most recent offering, the Resident Evil 4 remake, has already climbed rapidly up the charts, having sold 4.9 million units since its launch earlier this year.
A testament to Capcom’s strategy of remastering its catalog of old IPs, the Resident Evil 4 remake has sparked a significant rise in fan enthusiasm, potentially setting it up for future success.
Truth to this, Capcom has already begun asking fans about which entries they’d like to see be remade for modern platforms. Although if we follow their current timeline, we’re more likely to see the next mainline Resident Evil entry, which will reportedly feature Chris Redfield in a lead role, before the next remake. If we were to speculate, Chris’ return as the lead protagonist might also be when Jill Valentine finally makes an appearance in a contemporary entry – Capcom is reportedly keeping her young to use her in future titles.
It’s worth remembering that both Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine are the first main playable characters of the Resident Evil franchise but neither has been playable together since the first game in the series.
Ultimately, Capcom’s commercial achievements go beyond Resident Evil, with the Monster Hunter series selling 94 million units worldwide and Street Fighter adding another 52 million. Nonetheless, Resident Evil, with 146 million units sold worldwide, remains the company’s flagship franchise.
Even amidst this success, Capcom continues to innovate and explore. Fans eagerly anticipate VR support update for the RE4 remake, which promises an immersive horror experience like never before. While speculation surrounds the arrival of VR as Leon, it’s already available on the Meta Quest 2 headset for those who can’t wait.
Undoubtedly, the Resident Evil 2 remake’s success is an affirmation of the enduring appeal of the Resident Evil series and the survival horror genre.
With its next venture, the still-unconfirmed Separate Ways DLC, anticipated to boost sales further, Capcom will continue its reign in the gaming world, proving that in the face of zombies and biohazards, players worldwide are ready to rise to the challenge.
